There’s more than one way to help rid yourself of a raccoon. While these black-masked bandits may have some public appeal, finding one raiding through your garbage is a less than appealing idea. However, due to their adaptable habits and willingness to eat – well, just about anything – keeping raccoons away can be a challenge.
Not sure how to keep raccoons away from your home? Read this article for a few tips on raccoon deterrents and natural raccoon repellents.
How to keep raccoons out of garden areas.
Raccoons found in gardens are usually seeking out fruits and vegetables. If you discover raccoon damage to any of your plants, you should act fast. A tasty bite of fruit is enough to draw them back again and again. To prevent this from happening, consider installing a fence around the garden area. Sometimes, an electric fence may be required. The Humane Society recommends playing a loop of a recorded talk show all night. Human voices are likely to scare the animals off.
How to keep raccoons out of your yard.
Are there small holes all over your lawn? These raccoons are probably looking to get some grub – literally. Raccoons often dig holes in the yard in search of grubs and other insects. Keeping raccoons out of your yard is more difficult, but not impossible. As nocturnal animals, most raccoons prefer to stay out of the spotlight. Bright lights that resemble daylight can scare raccoons away. The Urban Wildlife Rescue Organization also suggests using a hot sauce repellent.
How to keep raccoons out of the trash.
Dumpster diving is a popular practice among raccoons. Trash bins without secure lids might be one of the main reasons why raccoons have become attracted to your yard in the first place. To eliminate this problem, ensure that all garbage bins on the outside of your home have secure lids. You can use bungee cords to help keep lids in place.
Raccoons inside the house
In some cases, raccoons may become trapped in the attic or crawl space of a home. Or, you may have an occasional night visitor. If you suspect raccoons are entering your home at night, inspect your house for any access points. To test whether an access point is being used, place newspaper in the opening overnight and check to see if it has been disturbed in the morning. Attempting to poison a raccoon that is in your home is not recommended. Poisoned raccoons may die and cause foul odors within your home.
While deterrents and natural repellents may assist in keeping raccoons away, some raccoon problems may require the help of wildlife control professional. This is especially true if a raccoon has found its way into your home. Wildlife control options include live trapping and exclusion.
